What initial payments are deferred for Augusta Lawn Care franchisees in Maryland?
Augusta_Lawn_Care Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
As to franchises governed by the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law, if any of the terms of the Disclosure Document are inconsistent with the terms below, the terms below control.
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- The Office of the Attorney General of the State of Maryland requires us to defer payment of the initial franchise fee and other initial payments owed by Franchisee to Augusta Lawn Care under until Augusta Lawn Care has completed its pre-opening obligations under the Agreement, and Franchisee has commenced operations. Therefore, and notwithstanding Section 6.1, Section 6.2, or any other provision of the Agreement, all initial fees will be deferred until after Augusta Lawn Care's initial obligations to Franchisee are complete, and Franchisee has commenced operations.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 44–184)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Augusta Lawn Care's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Maryland franchise law requires the deferral of initial payments. Specifically, the initial franchise fee and any other initial payments owed to Augusta Lawn Care are deferred until Augusta Lawn Care has fulfilled its pre-opening obligations as outlined in the Franchise Agreement, and the franchisee has commenced operations. This amendment overrides any conflicting provisions in the standard agreement, including sections 6.1 and 6.2.
For a prospective Augusta Lawn Care franchisee in Maryland, this means they will not be required to pay the initial franchise fee or any other upfront costs until Augusta Lawn Care has completed its responsibilities in preparing the franchisee to open their business. This includes providing initial training and other support services necessary to begin operations.
This deferral provides a significant benefit to new franchisees in Maryland, as it reduces the initial financial burden and risk. Franchisees can be assured that they only pay the initial fees after Augusta Lawn Care has delivered on its pre-opening obligations and the franchisee is ready to start generating revenue. This arrangement is mandated by Maryland law to protect franchisees.